Conditions

Reflux & Heartburn

What is Reflux?

Heartburn, also referred to as reflux or indigestion is characterised by discomfort and a burning sensation behind the breastbone. It is a symptom resulting from upwards flow of stomach acid into the food pipe or the oesophagus. It is a common symptom and the severity of this varies from a minor annoyance to a major issue for an individual’s quality of life. It is also sometimes referred to as gastro – oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

What causes reflux?

The lower end of oesophagus is normally guarded by muscle tissue forming a valve which regulates the normal movement of food from the food pipe into the stomach and prevents backflow of acid and other contents into oesophagus. This valve can lose effectiveness over time and also improper functioning can be a result of other abnormalities or conditions.

Accompanying symptoms

Other symptoms of valve dysfunction may include:

Regurgitation (food coming back into the mouth)

Bitter/Sour Taste in Mouth

Chest Pain

Chronic Cough

Difficulty Swallowing

Oesophageal Ulcers

Aspiration Pneumonia

Diagnosing Reflux:

Reflux is diagnosed and measured for severity with tests such as:

〇 Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy (Gastroscopy)

〇 X-Rays

〇 Oesophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring

Our team at Melbourne Gastro Oesophageal Surgery can perform these tests with a valid referral. Please click on the relevant test for more information.

Treatment Options:

    • Stopping smoking

    • Maintaining a healthy weight

    • Do not eat directly before bed or laying down

    • Avoid taking highly acid foods that will cause heartburn such as chocolate, fried fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, citrus, tomato’s

    • Eating appropriate portion sizes

    • Elevating the head of the bed if symptoms are mainly at night time

    • Antacids, which help to neutralise gastric acid.

    • Histamine-2 receptor blockers which decrease the amount of acid produced by the stomach.

    • Antiemetic and gastroprokinetic agents, which help to empty the food and acid from the stomach.

    • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) which are very strong medications which can almost neutralise stomach acid completely.

    • Fundoplication surgery: This involves improving the function of the lower oesophageal sphincter muscle (the lower oesophageal valve) to reduce acid travelling backward up the oesophagus.

Our team at Melbourne Gastro Oesophageal Surgery can support you with lifestyle changes, medication management and surgical options. Please call (03) 9416 4418. Surgical options will require a valid referral to our surgeons.